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- Area: 8142 m²
- Year: 2019
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Photographs:Luuk Kramer, Patrick Coerse
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Manufacturers: AutoDesk, Kegro Deuren BV Groesbeek, Kone, Koninklijke Tichelaar, Metaglas, Nibostone BV Vianen, Saint Gobain Ecophon BV Ettenleur, Van Der Plas, Versteeg Metaal Groep, Wever & Ducre
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Lead Architects: Frits van Dongen, Patrick Koschuch
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Text description provided by the architects. The “Frame” project is the final block in the ‘Block 0‘-site in the development of the Houthavens area in Amsterdam. Divided into three steps, the Block 0 development forms the barrier between the existing site and the Houthavens area. The Kopblok represents the final stage in the development of Block-0 and forms the geometrical exception in the urban plan. The building volume is based on the ‘classical’ order in the design of columns and tall buildings in architecture.
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The ‘basement’ is formed by a 6-meter high ‘plinth’ which houses public commercial functions. Above the building continues with 9 floors that form the middle part of the ‘column’ to end with the culmination of the building: an extraordinary floor that forms the coronation of the building in reference to the ‘capital’ of the classical column.
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The result allows for a differentiated mixture of luxury apartments. The ‘shaft’ of the building is characterized by a subtle façade grid structure of deep window ridges and large glass windows contributing to this sturdy building that will not immediately reveal itself as a residential building. The building forms the culmination of a collection of building plots with differentiating heights on the narrow building strip.
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As the termination of the block, the building is oriented on all sides and offers its residential units ‘framed views’ of the city and the harbor area of Amsterdam. The golden-bronze colors and ceramic material of the façade provide for a certain warmth and intimacy in the building’s appearance.
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